Back to work on novel # 4

I just got home from Winnipeg, where I once lived and where both of my kids were born. I was there to promote The Silver Compass. After my reading, one woman approached me and politely said, "I've now read all your novels and with each one I think your writing gets better."

What a nice compliment. It also helps me explain why I waited five years to write my next novel, Keeper of the Pond. To be honest, I just wasn't ready. I didn't feel strong enough or confident enough to do the story justice. But now I feel I can, which makes letting go of The Silver Compass a little easier as I get back to work on novel #4.

Even so, the task itself, the completion of that first solid draft, makes me feel (as it always does) like I'm climbing a steep and rickety ladder! Tomorrow I'll be digging back into writing in a big way for the next 2-3 months. Wish me luck.

I'll never forget Cleveland... next up, Winnipeg... and I loved Juno!

Thanks to everyone who came out to my reading in Cleveland where, yet again, I closed the store down after running wayyyyy over my time-limit because we were having such fun.

I guess I'll have to schedule future readings so I have 3 hours cause I'm clearly unable to fit everything into two! Picture this: While I was talking at 8:50 pm the janitor started vacuuming. Following that, at 9:00 pm, half the lights were turned off (an obvious nudge to wrap things up.) Then, while I was answering a few final questions, they began playing music throughout the store, strains of Good Night, Irene, Good Night. How funny is that?!

I don't blame the book store, though. I've managed a business before and I realize employees aren't paid to stay late. But when you have a crowd that's really engaged (as this one was) what can you do?

Next up, I'm off to Winnipeg, where I'll be reading and signing at McNally Robinson's new Polo Park book store on Thursday, April 24th at 7:00 pm. If you live nearby, why not come out and help me close the store down!? Chuckle...

P.S. I watched Juno on my way home from Cleveland and loved it. When the credits finally rolled, I kept thinking, Oooh, how I wish I'd written that! (the best possible compliment any writer can wish for!)

Hoping for a microphone in Cleveland...

I lost my voice last week and although both readings Thurs and Friday were great, it wasn't easy making sure everyone at the back of the room could hear me Thurs night at Chapters in St. Albert... without a microphone. Ouch!

Thanks for coming out you guys. You were a great crowd! Next year I'll bring my own microphone, okay? My hubby has promised to buy me a portable one for Christmas :)

Next up, I'm off to Cleveland...

If you live nearby, please join us for a reading/signing this Thursday, April 17th at 7:00 pm at Joseph-Beth Booksellers in Legacy Village, 24519 Cedar Road in Lyndhurst, east of Cleveland.

Northern Alberta bound...

Thanks to everyone who came out to meet me in Chicago, including all the employees from DDB Advertising as well as Diana and Sue, who arrived hours early to patiently wait in the front row... It was so great meeting you guys! And Borders Books on State Street? Your store rocks. I know I say this every year, but I love Chicago.

That said, I did slam my finger in a car door (it's black from the knuckle down, so I'm off for an x-ray this afternoon), I've got an ear infection, and I've almost completely lost my voice...

Still, this won't stop me from making it to my readings in St. Albert (tomorrow night, 7:30 pm, St. Albert Chapters) or Athabasca (Friday, 7:00 pm, Seniors Center). I may need a shot of something to make it through each reading (preferably espresso through an IV) but I'll be there all the same, and I promise we'll have fun.

I hope you can make it out!

Next up, a reading in Chicago plus contest winners from March

I'm off to Chicago for a reading Monday, April 7th at Borders Books, 150 North State Street @ 12:30 noon. If you live in the area and are able to make it out, please do. I'd love to meet you.

Secondly, here are the winners (belatedly) from March's blog contest. Please send me your mailing addresses so I can forward the packages.
Thanks, and congrats!

1. J. Thomison from Oregon
2. Marie Wyliss from Lansing, Michigan
3. Rhianne Platt from New Jersey

By the way, we received 392 contest entries this month. Thanks everyone!